Affected vehicles include the 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger, 2011-2012 Dodge Caliber, 2011-2016 Jeep Compass/Patriot, and 2011-2016 Dodge Journey. It's unclear which versions among the four models is subject to the recall, although all shared a 2.4-liter inline-4.

Officials at the EPA said the cars were safe to drive until they can be repaired. Older vehicles will be recalled first and will begin this year. According to the EPA, the vehicles' catalytic converters are at issue, and the company will refurbish or replace those parts.

FCA agreed earlier this year to settle with the federal regulators for diesel-powered trucks and SUVs that didn't meet emissions standards. The company paid more than $800 million to government agencies for roughly 100,000 trucks and SUVs that illegally polluted.

A spokesman for FCA said the automaker doesn't expect to be fined for the recall, and said the automaker started to contact affected owners last month. The issue was reported by FCA to the EPA during routine testing.